Chapter Text
Ellie sat at the bench on the way to the loser's motel. She should've expected this to happen really, the team had hated her from the beginning, everyone besides Gabby and Tess. Sure, she said some things in an interview a few years ago, but surely it can't have meant that much to the point the cop and his friend he seemingly replaced his ex with couldn't leave her alone for a damn minute. It helped her situation at the time, and seeing as she was once again facing the same loss — if not even worse this time, it was likely it would have to save her yet again for at least a few months, it's not like she'd see her peers again after this.
Ellie had already said her goodbyes to Gabby, a bittersweet ending already. Ellie had to admit, she hadn't treated her the best due to her determination to win the show and better their lives, and despite the less than savoury treatment, her girlfriend seemed determined to avenge her. Ellie hadn't really thought about it before being eliminated, but she seemingly forgot just how much her girlfriend treasured her, shown not only in her behavior, but also the plush rabbit sitting near Ellie as she waited. Ellie appreciated the gift, even if it wasn't exactly three million dollars, it definitely had a lot more love poured into it than the money from a trashy TV show. Sure, she could have used it, but she was grateful for what, or more so who, she had.
Ellie regretted a few things, sure. How could she not? Although a few incidents were arguably deserved, she couldn't help but think back to season one where she was far more remorseful – jeez, money problems can surely bring you down horrid paths. She not only broke up her seemingly only friendship, as even Tess decided to vote for her due to her supposedly being “mentally unwell”, and she could barely even deny the accusations. It wasn't exactly untrue, Ellie didn't wanna admit, but she'd been on a serious mental decline that certainly didn't go unnoticed by her peers. She'd been questioned various times on it, often just giving weak responses on how it doesn't concern anyone, disregarding those who care for her for a stupid game.
Losing the money hurt, so did losing her friends. Gabby was truly the only remaining thing she had, and even then the ending was rather melancholic. She wishes she'd at least played a little less ‘irredeemable’ in the cast's very own words. Few people even tried to understand her situation, frustrating yet expected from the people around her, the cast was anything but understanding. Ellie’s overworking had gotten worse, sometimes not sleeping at all just to attempt on pursuing her desired career, denying the helpful recommendations of taking a break. Her life was riding on this, and the minute they read out the last vote it was guaranteed going back to the stressful mess she called her life, so much for the former alliance she had.
Did she regret the situation with Lake? That was debatable, had the alliance stayed she probably would've still been in the game, though there was no convincing the stubborn teenager to change her vote at all, forcing an immediate roadblock in the alliance. Tom was hypocritical, idiotic and selfish, but they could at least use his strength for a few more challenges. There was no reason to keep the other boy, the vote was purely based on emotion, which definitely wouldn't help with competition. Ellie's mind replayed the very challenge she was eliminated in. It wasn't her fault Aiden lost the challenge, he should've been the one gone. Not her. Not only did he blatantly not deserve the money, he had his stupid rich boyfriend to help him with whatever he needed, but he was also far less useful to at least her and Gabby, the only thing he had going for him was Tom's favoritism. Ellie couldn't help but roll her eyes even then, the connection they had was not only random but annoying, at least she didn't have to deal with Tom's stupid remarks and Aiden's constant correcting anymore.
Did she regret her actions towards her former ally, Jake? That was debatable as well, their friendship was great in season one and although she regretted some of her actions towards him, his obnoxious rambling overwhelmed her to the point of snapping. Her words were cruel, but seemingly true at least in her perspective. He's whiny, and definitely more unwell than her in her perspective, he always seems to be on the verge of breaking down. How she was voted out for “illness” yet Jake wasn't astounds her, but at least he can't bitch at her when she's at the motel for now, she was already gonna deal with enough of that crap, she didn't need him to be added to her list of the people that bother her once again. Sure, she probably shouldn't have used his relationship issues against him, being blatantly cruel, but at the time she was determined to win for her sake and Gabby's sake. So much for that.
Ellie continued to think about the season, even the former one she was on, so much so she could barely notice the bus that approached to pick her up. When she finally noticed it coming towards her, she sighed. Here she was, again, after losing millions of dollars. She grabbed her plush, preparing herself to board the bus for losers. She could only hope Gabby could win without her.